Kokkedoor: Klassiek has announced its new judging lineup, and it includes one of South Africa’s top chefs. Jess van Dyk, owner and executive chef of Eat Out two-star restaurant Post & Pepper in Stellenbosch, will be joining food writer and television personality Herman Lensing on the panel as the beloved cooking competition returns to kykNET.

For Jess, securing two Eat Out stars for Post & Pepper has cemented her position among the country’s restaurants to watch – and now she’s bringing that expertise to the small screen. Her journey began in Kuruman in the Northern Cape, took her to Silwood School of Cookery, and then to Eat Out three-star restaurant La Colombe where she held the title of head chef before eventually opening her own restaurant.

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Jess says, “Just like every prospective contestant, I am childishly excited and nervous, because this is such an incredible opportunity for me too.” It’s this accessibility that makes her the perfect judge for a show celebrating South African food heritage. Jess is eager to see contestants embrace authenticity. “There is nothing more special than sharing your family recipe on national television. We want to see all the home remedies, clever tricks and delicious dishes – a little bit of the old mixed with a little bit of the new.”

Joining her is Herman Lensing, whose extensive experience as a food writer, magazine editor and television personality brings an added dimension to the panel. Herman views South African food through the lens of memory and heritage. “Our food heritage is a rich treasure chest of remembered recipes and stories that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world in the way you do here in South Africa,” he says.

The show’s “Klassiek” theme isn’t just about traditional cooking – it’s about preserving culinary traditions while allowing room for innovation. Herman is adamant that the competition welcomes everyone: “People must remember that Kokkedoor is not only for experienced chefs. It is also for the aunties, uncles and older generation who know how South African food should taste.”

 

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With entries now open and a R1 million prize for the winning team, Kokkedoor: Klassiek promises to showcase the recipes and stories that define South African Afrikaans food all under the watchful eyes of two judges who truly understand what makes it special.